BOZRAH – After visiting the manufacturer at their facility in Bozrah, Connecticut, last week, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) announced that Collins & Jewell Company is this week’s “Murphy’s Monday Manufacturer.” Collins & Jewell is a third-generation, family-owned custom steel fabrication manufacturer and industrial installer for the defense and extrusion industries. Founded in 1946, the manufacturer produces custom metal equipment such as cooling systems, pump assemblies, waste water recovery systems, steam centers, structural hand-railings, and custom steel fixtures and mezzanines for a range of international clients. Last year, Collins & Jewell completed construction of a brand new, 35,000 square foot manufacturing facility where over 60 full-time craftsmen, electricians, pipe fitters, fabricators, millwrights, and technicians complete projects for companies such as General Dynamics, Pfizer, and Freeport-McMoRan. Since completion of this new facility, Collins & Jewell has doubled their capacity.

Collins & Jewell partners with various local organizations to boost economic development and promote a sustainable manufacturing workforce throughout the state. The company’s leadership team participates in the Eastern Advanced Manufacturing Alliance, the Greater Norwich Chamber of Commerce, and the Eastern Connecticut Workforce Investment Board. As a member of the executive board at the Three Rivers Community College Foundation, Collins & Jewell awards merit and need-based scholarships to aspiring students. The manufacturer also hires students with pre-manufacturing and advanced manufacturing certificates from local schools, like Quinnebaug Valley Community College.

“During my visit to the Collins & Jewell facility last week, I saw firsthand the success of this local business, supplying critical equipment for submarines at Electric Boat,” said Murphy. “Demand from local defense manufacturers – funded by Department of Defense contracts – has allowed Collins & Jewell to employ dozens of hardworking local residents who build unique, one-of-a-kind machines and equipment. As we work to strengthen laws that require more work to be done in the United States, the winners will be Connecticut companies like Collins & Jewell.”

Christopher Jewell, Chief Financial Officer & Principal of Collins & Jewell, said, “We are proud to service our national and international clients through the efforts of a strong Connecticut labor force. Our team understands project complexities and have the needed attention to detail in order to meet the high standards that our customers require.”

The manufacturing industry plays a crucial role throughout Connecticut communities, creating new jobs and accelerating our state’s economic recovery. Today, Connecticut’s 4,602 manufacturers account for 10.2% of the state’s jobs and 87% of the state’s total exports. In order to protect and grow manufacturing jobs in Connecticut, Murphy has introduced two pieces of legislation that aim to strengthen existing standards and prioritize the purchase of American-made goods, the 21st Century Buy American Act and the American Jobs Matter Act.